Coroner confirms body found in Eagle County was missing hiker

EAGLE COUNTY, Colo. — Eagle County Coroner Kara Bettis confirmed a body found Thursday is that of an Indiana doctor who went missing after separating from his group on a hut trip in March.

Three skiers in the Booth Falls area located the body of James McGrogan, 39, of Chesterton, Ind.

McGrogan went missing March 14 after he and three others set off on a trip to Eiseman Hut, north of Vail. The group took a break, but McGrogan went ahead. When the rest of the group reached the hut, McGrogan was not there.

McGrogan was carrying a large pack with food, water and medical supplies. He also had a sleeping bag, avalanche beacon, GPS and warm clothing.

A five-day search of more than 50 people and two helicopters took place without success. Booth Falls is about 4 1/2 miles east of the trail leading to Eiseman Hut.